The School of Music is supporting a goodwill project, organized by Will Horner, a music education/trombone student, with the assistance of faculty Dr. Lucas Rego Borges, and Dr. Andrew Trachsel, director of bands. The three will be traveling to Puerto Rico, May 2-5, to work with high school and university students in San Juan and Yauco, regions affected by Hurricane Maria last fall.

The project was conceived by Horner, who saw an opportunity to help musicians in need, and asked for help from Borges and Trachsel to make it happen. A primary goal of this trip is to establish a connection with students and teachers in Puerto Rico, as well as assess the needs for music education in general, in the hopes that this becomes an even larger initiative for the School of Music and the Ohio University community.

Although plans are still in development, the ambassadors of music expect to be involved in concerts, lead masterclasses and teach workshops at Ernesto Ramos Antonini Fine Arts School in Yauco, with Dr. Nitai Pons, Director of Bands, as well as involved with surrounding schools in the area.

The three also plan to provide resources, including instruments and supplies, to these music programs in Puerto Rico. Instruments have been gathered by Horner, including flutes, clarinets, trumpets, horns, baritones and a tuba. Additionally, the group is gathering donated supplies, including reeds, valve oil, slide grease, mouthpieces, etc., as most of these supplies are purchased by the director, Dr. Pons, personally for distribution to his students.

This trip is possible through support from the Ohio University College of Fine Arts, School of Music, University Bands, International Studies, Latin America Studies, C.A. House Music, School of Music Faculty, and a variety of local business people and supportive community individuals.

Large and Small Donations Accepted: You Can Support This Puerto Rico Project

Donations are greatly appreciated and will continue to be accepted through the university site, ohio.edu/give. Checks can be made payable to The Ohio University Foundation. Be sure to write “School of Music” on the memo line, and mail to: The Ohio University Foundation, P.O. Box 869, Athens, OH 45701.

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